Mental health advocate uses art to break silence around suicide

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – NAMI of Northern Illinois, in partnership with several organizations, hosted its third annual Be Here Tomorrow: A Suicide Prevention Initiative, putting the spotlight on one local artist. 

“Back when I was 14, dealing with it really hard, I did not talk about it at all. I very much pushed it down,” said 29-year-old Kinsey White. 

The event, held in honor of Suicide Prevention Month, aimed to break the silence with original artwork created by those impacted by suicide. Among the local artists featured was White, who designed three pieces. 

“Art was the best way that I could express myself on what I was truly feeling,” explained White.”

White is a survivor who, at age 14, attempted suicide several times due to depression and anxiety. Now, white is a mental health advocate aiming to help others.

“If we don’t talk about it, nobody will and that’ll cause even more issues,” shared White.

White said art can be a powerful way to help anyone struggling with mental illness.

“You can be horrible at playing guitar but then go try. It’s just taking that step and getting out of your comfort zone,” said White.

White said she is in a master’s program working to become a mental health therapist.